Friday, October 16, 2009

Low Cost Tips from the Lilypad #1

Look at this neat contraption. This is my tubing to keep yarn from collapsing in on its self once I take it off the ball winder. This works especially well for sock yarns and thinner weight handspun yarns. Yes, its bootleg but effective. Plus depending on how much yarn your winding, you can get about 3 tubes of cardboard from one paper towel roll but only one for each toilet paper roll. Plus you can reuse the tubing until it starts to get to soft to hold its structure. I have found this to be a good way to avoid tangling up yarn but I do concede that I use a old plastic gallon ice cream container and knit (or ply - when spinning) these yarn from the outside instead of center pull. That way the yarn can turn and bounce in the bucket and I don't have to worry about the center tangling and pulling apart as much.
Its a great way to reduce, reuse and recycle all in one!

cut cardboard tubing from paper towel holders

(This is something new I just came up with today because I found something I wanted to share. As I was writing this post I decided to try to find a new one each week or two to share with everyone.)

10 comments:

Dutch Hollow Acres said...

Now why didn't I think of this? Love it! Thanks for the post.

Kate (KnitsInClass) said...

Always looking for great tips like this! Thanks for sharing -

Anonymous said...

What a terrific idea! I have plenty of cores to try this one out. Thanks! - MaLinda

Emily said...

Hm. I kind of like letting the yarn collapse in after winding. Removing the center post lets the ball shrink a little, removing all the pressure the yarn was under during winding. The trick is to be especially careful when taking the yarn off the winder to get everything to stay nice and neat... as long as you do it *just right*, to me it seems like there's no harm in having the center squish towards itself.

To each their own, I guess! I love your idea of weekly low cost tips.

Corrie said...

Neat idea! I tend to use the center pull, but I've noticed I'm starting to get a few knots in my lace weight this way. Perhaps I'll try your tip next time!

Alpaca Farmgirl said...

Love that idea of a plastic jug. Can you tell/show how to ply when spinning with them? That sounds fascinating and I have no clue what I'm doing so it would help. LOL!

Thanks for joining in for Fiber Arts Friday! Hugs!

MonikaRose said...

Great idea, I have not wound my own fiber yet, but when I do I will keep your idea in mind. Thanks for sharing :) and enjoy your weekend.

your favorite oxymoron said...

Great idea girl! I just lost SEVERAL yards to a center pull ball of lace weight! The only problem is... my dogs like to eat paper towel/toilet paper rolls even more than they like to eat yarn! I know! A couple of weirdos! But, this inspires me! I will find a way!

Thank!

Leslie

Homestead Wool & Gift Farm said...

Love the idea! I think I will try it pronto- I have some of Chaquita and Max Llama's fiber spun on my old Norwegian wheel- only have two bobbins so need to wind one off to ply.... or continue the singles.... THANK YOU!! and of course, smooches from the sheep!!!

Kirsten Lioba said...

Great idea! I always love to see new ways of keeping things out of the trash bin a little longer!